Carmen - St. Margarethen Open Air Opera 2023

A tale of love, passion and tragedy, performed in an open air setting.

St. Margarethen Open Air Opera presents Georges Bizet's timeless classic, "Carmen", set against the breathtaking backdrop of the open-air arena in the St. Margarethen quarry.
Georges Bizet's "Carmen" has become immortal in the world of opera with its vivacious rhythms and unforgettable melodies have secured its place in the pantheon of operatic masterpieces, and this production promises to do justice to its enduring legacy.
"Carmen" weaves a tale of love and passion, power and independence. At its heart lies the captivating character of Carmen, a seductive and self-confident woman, and Don José, a soldier who falls irrevocably under her spell. Their tumultuous love story unfolds amidst the vibrant rhythms and rousing melodies of Bizet's score, including the iconic "Habanera."
As love clashes with the desire for freedom, the opera delves into the depths of human emotions. Carmen's unwavering quest for independence leads to a tragic conflict, ultimately culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion.
The Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El-Khoury takes on the iconic role of Carmen, while Brian Michael Moore portrays the passionate soldier, Don José. With Vittorio Prato as Escamillo, Vanessa Vasquez as Micaëla, and a stellar supporting cast, the stage is set for a mesmerizing performance.

“Carmen - St. Margarethen Open Air Opera 2023” is a co-production by ORF III and Axis Film in association with Oper im Steinbruch and is distributed worldwide by ORF-Enterprise.

Producer A co-production by ORF III and Axis Film in association with Oper im Steinbruch
Stage Director Arnaud Bernard
Original title Carmen - Oper im Steinbruch 2023
Choir Vienna Philharmonia Chorus
Orchestra / Band Piedra Festival Orchestra
Soloist Joyce El-Khoury (Carmen), Brian Michael Moore (Don José), Vittorio Prato (Escamillo), Vanessa Vasquez (Micaëla), Aleksandra Szmyd (Frasquita), Sofia Vinnik (Mercédès), Marco di Sapia (Dancaïro), Angelo Pollak (Remendado), Mikołaj Bońkowski (Zuniga), Ivan Zinoviev (Moralès)
Conductor Valerio Galli
Distribution TV ORF-Enterprise